A SOLEMN MESSAGE OF WARNING.
By CHARLES P. WHITFORD
In the 14th chapter of Revelation may be found a message which contains the most solemn warning and fearful threatening anywhere to be found in the word of God. This proclamation is called “the third angel’s message,” and is the last warning which God has in reserve for the world just prior to the second advent of our Lord. This message warns against worshiping the beast and his image, and the reception of his mark, and says, If you do these things you “shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” By turning to the 16th chapter of Revelation, we learn what the judgments are which are to be visited upon those “who worship the beast.” They are nothing less than the seven last plagues, and of these plagues it is said, “For in them is filled up the wrath of God.” Rev. 15:1. Wrath having no mixture of mercy has never been experienced by any, and cannot be, as long as Christ is presenting his blood before the Father. But there will come a time when his intercessions will cease, and this time is referred to by the prophet when he says, “I beheld and there was no intercessor.” The description of the first plague sets us on the track of their chronology; for it is poured out upon those who have the mark of the beast, and who worship his image—the identical work against which the third angel’s message warns us. This message therefore can apply to none other than that generation which will live in the closing work of probation. By comparing Rev. 14:10, with Rev. 16:1, 2, 11, it will be seen that the very individuals who reject the warning of the third angel will not only drink of the first vial of the wrath of God, but will also suffer the fifth plague. But it is objected to by some that these plagues are in the past. We reply, If these plagues are in the past, the image of the beast and his worship are in the past. If these are past, the two-horned beast which makes this image, and his work are in the past. If these are past, then the third angel’s message, which warns us in reference to this work, is in the past; and if this is past, that is, ages in the past, where this view locates the commencement of the plagues, then the first and second messages which precede the third are also ages in the past. But there is a large class of people, not in any way connected with us, who believe that the first and second messages have been given in our own day. If this position is true, then the time has come for the third and last warning message to the world; and if the time has come, the message is already in the world, and it is none other than this, which claims to be the promised message. And if the “wine of the wrath of God,” filled up in the seven last plagues, is to fall without mercy upon all who reject this message, we inquire, dear reader, Should not this subject demand your serious thought and most prayerful consideration? From the solemn declaration of the third angel we see that it is of the utmost importance that we clearly understand what the “beast” is, what is his “mark,” and what constitutes his “worship,” in order that we may avoid his worship and his mark, and thus escape drinking the “wine of the wrath of God.” But, says one, if I could only ascertain the meaning of the terms of the warning most gladly would I obey, but it is impossible to arrive at the clear truth, and know for a certainty just what the “beast” and his “image” and his “mark” mean. In reply, we inquire, Would God put forth such a solemn declaration, attaching as a penalty the wine of his wrath without any mixture of mercy, to be inflicted upon all who “worship the beast and his image,” and then leave us to guess at what these things mean? Would not such a position charge God with folly and the height of injustice? Would it not be more reasonable to conclude that the clear truth most certainly exists on this point, and that it is not only the privilege, but the duty, of all who profess to be God’s children to learn and obey it, and thus escape the storm of his wrath, which is soon to burst upon the heads of all that have the mark of the beast and that worship his image? God does not punish the wicked without their knowing, or having full opportunity to know, for what cause the punishment is inflicted. And as he has given us in his word a most solemn warning against the reception of the mark of the beast, accompanied with the most awful threatening of his unmingled wrath against all who do not heed the warning, we inquire if it would not be unjust in God thus to threaten men, if it were impossible for them to ascertain the meaning of the terms of the warning. Most certainly it would. The message containing this warning is the last to be given before the revelation of our Lord from Heaven; and as all Adventists agree that we have reached the last days, and the two preceding messages have been fulfilled in the past, and as facts compel us to admit that the third and last message is now being proclaimed, we are forced to the conclusion that the time has come when it is not only our privilege, but our duty, to understand what the mark of the beast is. No matter if your learned minister can give you no light on the subject. He may possibly be of that class of shepherds described by the prophet Isaiah: “Shepherds that cannot understand,” or, as Paul expresses it, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:7. But the angel declared to Daniel concerning these last days, “The wise shall understand.” Chap. 12:10. “The time of the end” has arrived, and the warning voice of the third angel (Rev. 14:9–12) is already being heard. Consequently the time has fully come for us to know what the mark of the beast is, that we may avoid it and escape the threatened wrath. And now, dear reader, if you have become interested in this subject, and desire to know what the mark of the beast is, for a full discussion of this subject we would cite you to such works as these: “Mark of the Beast and Seal of the Living God;” “The Three Angels’ Messages,” &c., published at the Review and Herald Office, Battle Creek, Michigan. It is evident that the proclamation of the message of the third angel is being attended with the special blessing of God. This is no small evidence in favor of the correctness of our position. Yet it would be extremely unsafe for us to settle down upon this evidence alone, without being able to give from the Bible the reasons of our faith. Those that heed the warning which is now being given to the world against worshiping the beast and his image and receiving his mark, will soon realize a mighty deliverance, be sheltered from the seven last plagues, in which is filled up the wrath of God, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb on Mount Zion. In view of an eternal life of glory in the kingdom of God, saved from sin and all its consequences, we beseech you, dear fellow-mortal, to heed the warning voice of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Despise not this warning. Its last notes will soon die away and then will, “Stern justice lift the avenging sword,
To slay the mockers of God’s word.”
Oh! then, improve the present; for yet a little while and the sweet voice of mercy will be heard no more. Fear not the reproach or revilings of men, but be willing to suffer persecution. Be wise, and sacrifice all for glory, and do it now. Let the signs of the times admonish you to make no delay. The days are evil; therefore redeem the time.